Outlook: Of all the teams Mike Ellis has coached, this Lancers squad has shown the most improvement over the course of the year. He's not the only one saying it. Ledyard coach Jim Buonocore calls the Lancers the most improved team in the Eastern Connecticut Conference from the beginning of the season to now. Still, it didn't help against the Whalers last week.

"I thought we actually played pretty well and executed the game plan," Ellis said. "We took away the screen pass and controlled (running back Orrin) Parke. We kept the offense on the field and ran 30 more offensive plays than (New London) did."

Waterford couldn't compensate for New London's ability to score fast and often though. Ledyard has that same quick-strike ability and talent all over the field. Plus, the Colonels come in rested and healthy and, admittedly, still smarting a bit after their loss to Stonington almost two weeks ago.

"It wasn't the ideal week for a bye, but we were able to take a deep breath and mentally, we needed that break," Buonocore said. "Physically, you want to keep playing. But we were able to install this week's game plan a little slower, less being taught on a day-to-day basis and that was a good thing."

A win for the Colonels guarantees them a share of the Medium Division title dependent upon the outcome of the Killingly-Stonington game. The Colonels also have to keep winning if they want to be a part of the post-Thanksgiving Day discussions.